A Close-Knit Community Effort
Poppies to the Park is a community art project to commemorate our veterans. Thousands of knitted and crocheted poppies made by members of local and global communities will create garlands to be installed on the Bicentennial Bridge in Jefferson City’s Deborah Cooper Park on Adrian’s Island.
Poppies will be installed in time for Veterans Day on November 11, 2024, and remain in place for viewing through Thanksgiving. We will continue to collect poppies until October 31, 2024, to reach our main goal.
Poppies to the Park is made possible by Jefferson City Rotary Clubs with support from JC Parks, Missouri River Regional Library, and community members like you!
The Project
Materials and Patterns
Poppies should measure 3-4 inches in diameter. Yarn tails should not be left on the poppies – this will help us attach the flowers to the garland.
There are several patterns available online if you search for “remembrance poppy”. Here are a couple to try out, but any knit or crochet poppy pattern is acceptable! As long as the poppies are a shade of red or orange, the texture and size variation will enhances the appearance of the poppy garland.
Drop-Off Locations
As poppies are received and garland sections are completed, they will temporarily be on display on the walking track railing at the Linc until installed on the Bicentennial Bridge. This will serve as our gauge and help spread awareness of the project.
Collection Sites (click the location name for drop-off hours)
The Linc
Attn: Leann Porrello
1299 Lafayette St.
Jefferson City, MO USA 65101
Missouri River Regional Library
214 Adams St.
Jefferson City, MO USA 65101
Osage County Library
22 Library Lane
Linn, MO USA 65051
Additional drop-off locations may be available in the future. Check back soon!
Project Goals
- Goal 1: The Arches – 5,300 poppies. There are 21 “arches” enclosing the bridge over the railroad tracks measuring 31 feet in length. Approximately 230 poppies are needed to cover each arch.
- Goal 2: The Entrance Railing – 700 poppies. 85 feet of railing lead to the covered portion on the west side of the bridge.
- Goal 3: The Slope – 4,000 poppies. 503 feet of railing is the remaining length of the western rail of the bridge from the bridge gates to Deborah Cooper Park on Adrian’s Island. This is the longest portion of railing and is separated into 8-foot sections. One 8-foot section requires approximately 70 poppies.
Important Dates
- Now – October 31, 2024: Poppy donations accepted
- Wednesday, November 6, 2024: Rotary Club installation
- November 11-30, 2024: Poppies to the Park on display
How to Help
Whether you make one poppy or one hundred, any amount you donate will help! For the real MVPs (most voluminous poppymakers), a group or organization can make the Poppy Pledge by committing to adorn an entire arch (approximately 230 poppies).
Once this Arch goal is met, the Poppy Pledge will extend to the 8-foot rail sections.
Be a Poppy Patron
If time and talent are a challenge, your gift of treasure is just as appreciated. Monetary donations will help event organizers create poppy assembly kits that will be distributed to area assisted living facilities, whose residents are excited to put their knitting needles to good use! Donations are accepted through the JC Parks Foundation online or by check to:
JC Parks Foundation
1299 Lafayette St.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Attn: Poppies to the Park
The Purpose
Why this project?
Why the Bicentennial Bridge?
Why poppies?
Why Veterans Day?
Help Us Reach Our Goal!
For Veteran’s Day 2023, poppies were sent from Missouri, California, Florida, Arizona, Iowa, and Australia. We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store!
- Poppies Donated 30%
Contact Us
Comments and inquiries can be directed to JC Parks staff Leann Porrello, lporrello@jeffersoncitymo.gov or (573) 403-7812.